The Sullivan American Legion Auxiliary Unit #68 recently announced the results of this year’s Veterans Day Art and Writing Contest.
The Best in Show award went to SHS junior Claire Kursell for her drawing “My Dearest Irene,” which also received first place in art for juniors and seniors.
Kursell noted in her Creator’s Statement that her piece was “inspired by the letters of WWII veteran Natale Bellantoni to Irene Sztucinski,” which she read while researching topics for the contest. She added that she was so interested in their story that she knew she wanted to use their story for her submission.
On Saturday, October 25th, BASO sponsored Bethany’s Main Street Trick or Treat, with numerous local businesses participating in the fun. From ghastly ghosts and giggling goblins to pretty princesses and prowling pirates, everyone came to show their holiday best. In addition to treats, there was music, games, sweatshirts, and-of course, good cheer amongst all in attendance.
Photo by DM Williamee
Habitat for Humanity Sullivan board members, former Board Members, and HICF CEO Natalie Beck. Front Row: Salisa Hortenstine-Olmsted, Nancy Hall, Becky Comstock, Sandy Sanders, Cheryl Thomas, Habitat home recipient Cherie Kursell, and Natalie Beck. Back row: Rev. Grant Wade, Mike Aikman, Roger Barnnes, Mark Hall, Roger Glazebrook, Gary Smith, and Gene Mueller.
by DM Williamee
Photo by DM Williamee
In a contagiously emotional moment, Gene Meuller gives the keys to her new home to Cherie Kursell.
On October 26th, Habitat for Humanity and the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF), as well as friends and family, gathered to give Cherie Kursell and her children, Amber and Claire, the keys to their new home. Greetings were conducted, introductions, an opening prayer, scripture reading (Isaiah 32:18), presentation of a bible by the family sponsor, blessing of the home, presentation of the American Flag, presentation of the house key, comments by partner family, words of appreciation, and closing, and ending with a benediction by Rev. Grant Wade. Habitat for Humanity also thanked HICF for its fifteen-thousand-dollar contribution, which made completion of this home by this Fall possible. This is the 36th Habitat Home completed in the Sullivan area in twenty-nine years. Home recipient Cherie Kursell emotionally thanked everyone for the home and their support. Within minutes, the home began to fill with furniture and friends, and the overall atmosphere was one of joy.
Sullivan High School’s FCCLA, has been honored as a 2024–2025 FCCLA Ultimate Chapter Award recipient. This prestigious recognition, the highest honor bestowed upon FCCLA chapters nationwide, celebrates the chapter’s exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to creating lasting impact in their school and community. The chapter is advised by Ms. Jennifer Voegel and Ms. Kali Taylor. Over the past two years, they have successfully expanded the chapter from 20 members to more than 60 members and are growing. Their commitment to the organization and its members is truly commendable.
Flesor’s Candy Kitchen will be accepting Christmas candy orders from Sullivan, Moultrie County, and surrounding county residents this year from now through November 21st. Orders will be taken this year by mail. Order forms have been mailed to past supporters of this fundraiser, and additional forms are available at Flesor’s Candy Kitchen, 101 West Sale Street, Tuscola, and Sweet Vail Café, 1600 S. Hamilton Street in Sullivan. Sweet Vail’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All Christmas candy orders will be ready for pick up at Sweet Vail Café on December 6th.
NOTICE is hereby given that the office of MOULTRIE COUNTY CLERK & RECORDER’S will be open from 8:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M., beginning OCTOBER 27, 2025 through NOVEMBER 3, 2025, for the purpose of accepting candidate petitions or certificates for the GENERAL PRIMARY ELECTION to be held on MARCH 17, 2026 for the following offices.
COUNTY CLERK & RECORDER TREASURER SHERIFF PRECINCT COMMITTEE PERSONS
Linda S. Qualls Signature of Local Election Official
On Saturday, October 18th, neither wind nor rain could deter Sullivan’s First United Methodist Church from holding their ‘Trunk or Treat’ event. With the weather uncooperative, the event was moved indoors where the festivities went on, and enjoyed by all.
The Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society monthly meeting was held October 16th at the History Center in Sullivan.
The featured speaker was Alice Durbin, a Moultrie County native. Alice was a dental hygienist and was instrumental in bringing modern dental practices to Kosovo, an Eastern European country. She told those attendance that she got involved in war-torn Kosovo in 2001 when she visited the area for the first time to set up a dental clinic.
Here are a few simple tricks to help your children enjoy their Halloween treats
•October 22, 2025•
by Angela Hogan
Halloween is an exciting time for kids. They look forward to wearing their costumes. They also anticipate the delicious Halloween treats they’ll collect during their trick-or-treat activities. However, as parents, it’s crucial to ensure our children remain safe during this holiday. In this article, we’ll share some “tricks” to help you prioritize their safety.
Halloween Should Be Fun and Safe
For many, Halloween is a fun way to welcome the fall season. Unfortunately, the costumes, activities, and even the treats present some unique hazards. Help keep your kids safe by discussing the following tips before they begin their adventure.
On Thursday, October 23rd at 7:00 p.m., Dove Domestic Violence Program in conjunction with HOPE of East Central Illinois will be holding a Candlelighting Service at First Christian Church, 1357 CR 1200 E in Sullivan.
